March 31 Devotional

Opening Prayer: By the passion of Your Divine Son, You caused an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life; Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of Your Son. Amen. (Venite by Robert Benson)

Scripture Reading for the Day: John 12:20-36

Journal: Where in your life are you sensing that something must die in order for many seeds to be produced? What is it? What is your “kernel?” What are the “many seeds?” Where in your life have you seen evidence of life coming out of death?

Reflection: Nothing that has not died will be resurrected. - C. S. Lewis

Josh and Jenny M. are working with the RAK Church Plant in the United Arab Emirates. The RAK Evangelical Church has now been formally constituted as a church with about 40 members. They continue raising funds for the building on the land the Lord has provided. By God’s grace, they have now raised almost half the needed funds and have had architectural drawings made. Depending on the amount of funds received, they hope to break ground on the building this year. Pray for their patience as they continue to raise funds.

Family Promise of Knoxville serves families that come into their program “situationally” homeless – something has happened in their lives (job loss, medical conditions, financial problems, or other tough circumstances) to cause them to be homeless. It is not a choice they have made consciously or easily. This organization has created an interfaith network involving 16 “host” congregations and 26 “support” congregations. Pray for the homeless families that Family Promise will reach this month.

Closing Prayer: Loving Father, teach me to love and care for those that need you today. Those who are passed over and do not feel love unless I love them for you. May Christ’s love for others be felt through me today. In your name and by your power I pray these things. Amen. (Disciplines for the Inner Life by Michael Benson and Bob Benson)